Rep Hopkins Introduces Bill to Ensure Fair Discounts for RI Seniors

2/9/2026

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State House, Providence, RI – Rhode Island State Representative Marie A. Hopkins introduced House Bill 7266, an amendment to the Senior Savings Protection Act, which aims to promote fairness and financial relief for Rhode Island's senior citizens. The legislation ensures that businesses offering discounts for automatic payments must extend the same incentives to seniors aged 65 and older who prefer to pay by paper check, while preserving existing cash discounts for cash payments.

"This bill is a straightforward way to support our seniors by putting more money back in their pockets,” said Rep. Hopkins. "Many older Rhode Islanders value the reliability of traditional payment methods, and this measure guarantees they aren't left out of valuable savings opportunities. It's about equity and empowering our elders to manage their finances in the way that works best for them."

Rhode Island is home to approximately 212,000 residents aged 65 and older. Based on conservative estimates, if 80% of these seniors have cell phones and half of them qualify for a typical $20 monthly discount on telecom services, the bill could generate over $20 million in annual savings for this demographic alone. Extending similar principles to other common auto-debited expenses, such as auto insurance, could unlock an additional $20 million or more each year. These savings flow directly back to seniors, helping them afford essentials and enjoy a higher quality of life.

The bill, introduced on January 23, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Corporations, builds on the original Senior Savings Protection Act effective since January 1, 2025. It encourages businesses to maintain inclusive discount policies that benefit all customers, fostering a more supportive environment for aging in place.

Rep. Hopkins (District 21, Warwick) invites constituents and stakeholders to contact her office at (401) 222-2259 or [email protected] for more information, or to share feedback on the legislation.

Rhode Island General Assembly Press Release regarding House Bill 7266 and senior discounts.

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In 1636, Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island, established the first working model of Democracy after being banished from Massachusetts for his “extreme views” concerning freedom of speech and religion. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams publicly acknowledged Williams as the originator of these concepts, along with the freedom of public assembly, in the First Amendment in the United States Constitution. Today, Rhode Island House Republicans uphold the liberties designed by our Founders and preserved in our Constitution, and are the primary legislative body promoting lean government, fighting for lower taxes, and advocating for initiatives and policies that improve the economy and in turn, the lives of Rhode Islanders. As members of a part-time assembly, we are small business owners, retired educators, community activists, lawyers, farmers, military service veterans, volunteers, former local officials, retired social workers, coaches, musicians, churchgoers and board directors -- bringing these community engagement and professional experiences to our work, on your behalf, at the Rhode Island State House.